15 comments
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You have to take moments along the way to recognize the progress you've made. We've been in our house 10 years, and there is always something to do. I made a photo album of house pictures so we can pull it out and see how far we've come, and it truly is amazing. It helps me get through the frustrating times to realize how much we've already done.

And with the ages of your children (if my chronology is correct), they will remember this and probably treasure it. How wonderful for them to watch their parents realize a vision through hard work. As these things tend to go with siblings, I'd imagine one will grow with a love and longing for old houses and one will love all things modern. I have a confusing mix of both as I truly love old houses but have neither the patience nor emotional capacity to handle the issues at every turn. It's been a pleasure to read along! Even if I do wish you posted about 10x more frequently :)

Yes, I so hope that they will treasure it. I wish that it wasn't such a long process (longer than we could have possible imagined) but at least the dirty work will be behind us once we move in. I do take our children to a lot of antique stores and antique auctions and they know that "we are looking for something for the new house." I love that they feel a part of the process in creating our home. Best, Catherine

You and Mike have done the hard work and put in the thought and research and found the best craftsmen so the house will really come into its own. You are giving the house the loving care it deserves. It shows in everything you're doing, and it's exciting to see your progress!

Keep reminding yourself how much you have achieved and look forward! Here in our 200 year old french home there is still many projects, but we look around almost in disbelief at what we have accomplished in a year, we renovated two houses, out in a pool, made a vegetable garden, the list is endless, the end result fabulous:):)

I agree with Stephen, I was the child that fell in love with old houses, old furniture, old anything. My brother and sister somehow didn't get that gene. But all of your hard work will make them proud of the home you have built for them. But as my husband says, living in an old house, the work is never done. Sigh...but as long as we are able, we will take care of our dear old house.

Yes, I grew up in an early ranch in southern California. It took one trip to Washington D.C. when I was in high school to fall in love with all things old. I devoured Colonial Home magazine and was in awe of people who lived in old homes. I think you're so right, it's a gene thing - you either love old homes or not so much.

Oh to be able to leave a basket of treats quietly at your doorstep. You and Mike, such hard workers, so BRAVE in this massive project - I'm sure you could use a pleasant surprise right about now.

The little door in the photo above, one wonders why it was hinged on the right rather than the left. There's intent there, what was the intent behind making the owner have to step awkwardly to the left to open the door, when hinging it on the right would have meant easier access [biomechanically]. This is one of the ways the original builder/designer converses directly with you. Would a left-opening cupboard door interfere with the aesthetics of the window trim? Would a left-opening open door cause damage to the window trim? It leaves me guessing about intent...whatever it is, it's heartbreakingly WONderful to look at in your photo.

I salute you, and here is your virtual basket of treats that I just left at your doorstep